Doing Difficult Things

A few weeks ago I wrote about Smokey, a cat that I rescued (for my niece) at an animal shelter. I had to take Smokey to the vet right away because he had a respiratory infection. After much poking, prodding, and discomfort (what I felt sure Smokey thought was the WORST day of his life) he got to go home. Smokey's doing great. He looks sleek and healthy, and my niece showers him with love every day.

Lately I've been in a season where I seem to have to do many difficult things. These days do not appear to be the best in my life. Chief among these difficult things was choosing after many tears and much prayer to send my son to military school. You may be thinking, "Pish posh! Military school? What's the big deal?" And maybe you're right. Someday I hope to look back on this and say the same thing. However, sending my son away to school meant delivering him to what I knew would be many difficult and lonely days. Maybe I've watched too many Disney movies, but it's been hard for me.

I became resolved to send my son away to school right before Christmas. We visited the school. I liked it, but he hated it. I consulted with family, friends, and my pastor. It became clear to me that it would be best for him. I knew it in the marrow of my bones. Actually sending him, however, required resolution and grit because I knew that it would be difficult for him. I believe that his time at Chamberlain-Hunt will be formative. That he'll grow as a person and as a man. I also believe that I am growing as a result of this resolve to do what's best for him despite the temporary pain.

It's the beginning days of a new year. There are lots of folks (if TV commercials are any indication) that make resolutions that may be hard to keep: diet, exercise, smoking cessation, etc. There are other worthy things to pursue. It's a great idea to resolve to be more mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Whatever aspect of your life you're resolved to improve, you can be certain that effort and (perhaps) a bit of pain await you. Maybe your muscles will be sore. Perhaps your heart will ache with the effort. However, in the end, you'll come out into a wider, healthier place. A place of greater freedom. May God bless you in all of your worthy resolutions.